Reading Remembers – Marking the First World War Centenary, Remembrance Sunday

Reading Remembers

Reading will be commemorating the First World War Centenary in November with a range of events, parades, theatre, exhibitions and activities. Remembrance ceremonies will take place across Reading on Sunday 11th of November, paying tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives defending this country.

Main Service

Reading’s main service and parade will take place in the town centre on Sunday 11th November from 9.25am. The Remembrance Service will begin at Reading Minster at 9.25am, all are welcome to join the service.

The service will be followed by a march through the town centre, led by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles, to the Forbury Gardens. The Remembrance Ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial will include the laying of wreaths and a two minute silence at 11am.

Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Debs Edwards, said:“It will be an honour to lead the two minute silence at the Forbury War Memorial and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me. This ceremony is an opportunity for everyone to come together to remember those who paid the ultimate price in defence of our country and is particularly poignant this year, with 2018 marking 100 years since the end of WWI.

“We must remember the brave men and women of our armed forces and pay tribute their courage and fortitude and the sacrifice they paid to protect our communities. We must never allow this occasion to be forgotten.”

Jelly Arts

Jelly Arts will be parading after the Civic procession from the Reading Minster, with 100 large poppies made by local children. There is a free workshop run by Jelly at Reading Minster on Saturday 3rd November, 11.30am – 1.30pm, for children to make a poppy from recycled materials and tissue paper for the special parade. There is also a Jelly Tots Pre-School Art Club at Broad St Mall on Wednesday 7th November between 10.30am to 11.30am. To take part in the workshops or the parade visit the https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jelly-5850507873

There will also be services in Caversham at the War Memorial in Christchurch Meadows at 10.45am and at the Tilehurst War Memorial just before 11am.

Other Services & Events

On the evening of Saturday 3rd November, The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and the Berkshire branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a Festival of Remembrance in Reading Minster. Spaces are limited – for further information or to book a ticket for the event please email the lieutenancy office at Lord.lieutenant@reading.gov.uk

An exhibition featuring striking montages by the award winning graphic artist Paul McEvoy explores the lives and experiences of people in the town during the Great War. “Reading at War,” in association with Reading Museum, is on display at the Hexagon from Monday 29th until Sunday 11th November, daily between 10am-5pm (and during evening performances).

At Reading Museum, The Huntley and Palmers Gallery is currently exhibiting a range of First World War army biscuits which were all put to interesting uses other than which they were originally intended. Find out more www.readingmuseum.org.uk

The Hexagon

The Hexagon is commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the end of World War One with Private Peaceful. Direct from London’ West End, the play relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. Also at the Hexagon on Sunday 4th November, Terry Steel’s Astor Big Band and Singers present a concert including a host of Glenn Miller classics, with an added performance on November 11th.

Other Events

Reading Progress Theatre is presenting ‘Birdsong’ which tells the story of Stephen, a soldier haunted by his past, from Thursday 8th November to Saturday 17th November. Visit http://progresstheatre.co.uk/2018-birdsong

The Tilehurst branch of the Royal British Legion is encouraging the local community to help them to ‘Turn Tilehurst Red’ to mark the centenary of the end of WW1. From the 1st to the 14th of November they are asking for volunteers to help by making decorations, flags, banners, knitted designs the ideas are end-less. Visit the Facebook site ‘Turn Tilehurst Red for Remembrance Sunday’ to find out more.

Reading Festival Chorus is performing in Flanders Fields at Greyfriars Church on Saturday 17th November at 7.30pm. To book tickets call 0118 947 8081 or email tickets@readingfestivalchorus.org.uk